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3 Water Part 3

Now that we know where our groundwater comes from and why it’s important let’s take a look at what happens when acidic water enters

the aquifer. Acidic water results when Carbon dioxide and water react to form carbonic acid. This occurs naturally in small portions when rain picks up bits of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere but when carbon dioxide concentrations increase or when stronger chemicals are used it speeds up the process. Sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides from factories or vehicles can create more acidic conditions. According to the EPA the biggest contributors of highly acidic rains are:

“-Burning of fossil fuels to generate electricity. Two-thirds of SO2 and one fourth of NOX in the atmosphere come from electric power generators.
-Vehicles and heavy equipment.
-Manufacturing, oil refineries and other industries.”